Eric Miquelon, the President of Avanade North America, reminisces about the first encounter with Clippy, an early virtual assistant that appeared on computer screens in the late ’90s. Fast forward to 2024, where a new era of virtual assistants, powered by generative AI, is revolutionizing work processes. These modern virtual assistants are able to draft emails, create presentations, summarize meetings, and perform research, among other tasks.
Miquelon recently experimented with a prominent new virtual assistant from a well-known technology company and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Initially skeptical about disrupting his workflow, he found that the virtual assistant helped him save time and streamline tasks like reading emails, preparing for meetings, and creating presentations. This newfound efficiency allowed him to invest more creative energy into his work.
According to Miquelon, redefining the relationship with time is crucial for business leaders. He advises fellow leaders to explore how virtual assistants can help reclaim time to focus on important tasks like meeting with clients, engaging in deeper thinking, and strategic planning. By identifying areas in their workflow that could benefit from a virtual assistant, leaders can enhance productivity and decision-making.
Miquelon suggests starting with one task to test out the impact of a virtual assistant on work processes. For example, scanning and summarizing emails or synthesizing information across documents for faster decision-making. By incorporating virtual assistants into their daily routines, leaders may find themselves with more time for focused work and higher-level activities.
Looking ahead, Miquelon ponders the possibilities of implementing virtual assistants at scale. He highlights the potential for workforce productivity and creativity when individuals can dedicate more time to the most human elements of their work. Leveraging virtual assistants could lead to a significant shift in what the workforce achieves on a daily basis, allowing for greater innovation and satisfaction in work.
Forbes Business Council is recognized as a top growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Miquelon’s insights on the transformative impact of AI-driven virtual assistants offer a glimpse into the future of work and productivity. As the workplace continues to evolve, embracing technology like virtual assistants could be a game-changer for businesses seeking to enhance efficiency and creativity.
